American Goulash is a beloved dish known for its simplicity and heartiness. It’s a one-pot meal that has graced many family tables across the United States for generations. Despite its name,
Goulash differs significantly from its Hungarian counterpart. While Hungarian Goulash is a soup or stew with meat and vegetables, American Goulash is more of a pasta dish, combining ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni. This comforting classic is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
ALSO READ: Chicken & Ginger Fried Rice: A Culinary Delight
American Goulash: A Comforting Classic
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings25
minutes35
minutes418
kcalAmerican goulash, also known as old-fashioned goulash, is the perfect economical family meal. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so this satisfying dish can be made in just one pot.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ cups chopped onion
1 pound lean ground beef
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 (14 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Now, add the onion and beef; cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Then add garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomatoes and their juices, tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add macaroni and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 9 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Cheesy Goulash: Add a cup or two of shredded cheese to the pot just before serving. Cheddar or mozzarella work well.
- Spicy Goulash: For those who like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the pot with the onions and garlic.
- Vegetable Goulash: Mix in some diced green peppers, corn, or even peas to add more veggies to the dish.
- Herbed Goulash: Add a teaspoon of dried basil or oregano to the pot for a different flavor profile.
